Box Score


NEW HAVEN, Conn. -  Graduate student Daniel Ruiz (Stamford, Conn.) scored the game's only goal in the 92nd minute, propelling No. 7 Southern Connecticut State University men's soccer team to its fifth straight victory, as the Owls posted a 1-0 overtime decision at home against Saint Rose in a pivotal Northeast-10 Conference showdown on Wednesday night.

The Owls had an early opportunity in the first to take a 1-0 lead over the Golden Knights after a shot attempt by junior Daquan King (Plainville, Conn.). Following a Southern Connecticut foul, Saint Rose midfielder Marco Pavlin found a hole in the Owls' defense, but a diving save by sophomore Christian Samaniego (Toronto, Ont.) held the Golden Knights from scoring first.

Southern Connecticut continued to challenge Saint Rose goalkeeper Colan Balkwell with back-to-back attempts from junior Kevin Joslyn (Norwalk, Conn.) and Ruiz. However, both teams remained scoreless heading into the locker room.  At the end of the first, the Owls outshot the Golden Knights, 9-2.

Heading into the second half, Southern Connecticut continued its momentum with an early shot attempt from junior Mads Larsen (Trondheim, Norwalk) at the 49:39 mark. With less than 26 minutes left to play in regulation, the Owls had another chance to break the silence at Jess Dow Field after a long shot from sophomore Sebastian Brems (Odense, Denmark). Despite a 7-5 edge in shots, Southern Connecticut was unable to score forcing the game to go into overtime.

Ruiz finally broke the scoreless draw at the 92nd minute mark, as the Stamford, Conn. native dribbled passed two defenders and buried the ball in the lower right corner of the net to score the game-winner for the Owls.

Nine different Owls registered at least one shot for the Owls while Samaniego picked up a defensive save for the hosts.

SCSU goalkeeper Noah Veronier stood tall with three saves as well as remaining undefeated, 5-0, between the pipes. Saint Rose's Colan Balkwell finished the night with six saves.

The Owls are back in action on Saturday, Sept. 27 when the team welcome Merrimack College for a Northeast-10 Conference clash at Jess Dow Field. First whistle is scheduled for 6 p.m.